Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes his current assistant Steve Bould has what it takes to be a Premier League manager.

Bould, the former Gunners centre-back, succeeded Pat Rice as Wenger's No. 2 at the start of the season, and has been widely credited with instilling the defensive resilience that has characterised Arsenal's early league performances.

And Wenger believes the 49-year-old Englishman has what it takes to become a great manager in the future - if that is what he chooses to do.

"Steve is focused and intelligent. He is doing his job well," Wenger said. "I have always said many of our older players from his generation can be managers.

"That is not down to me to choose that, so it is up to him - but there is no reason why not.

"I have seen many strong personalities but the ones who succeed are those who make decisions under pressure. Steve has those qualities.

"What is important is we have a style of play.

"Everyone has his own personality and I chose Steve because I felt he would add something to our team."

Bould will get an early opportunity to take charge from the sidelines when Arsenal face Montpellier in the Champions League on Tuesday, as Wenger serves a touchline ban. The Frenchman was given a three-game punishment by UEFA after he criticised the referee following the club's exit to AC Milan in last season's competition.

"For this game, I will speak to the team in the hotel before leaving for the ground and talk to Steve," Wenger said. "But there is always the element of the unexpected. You always have that feeling of being powerless even if you are on the bench, let alone up in the stands.

"But it is a nightmare. It is restriction of work. I do not make a fuss of it but they love to suspend me."